At Phoenix, we encourage children to enjoy and express themselves in art whilst developing the capacity for imaginative and original thought.  Children are taught technical and creative skills and are given the opportunity to work with a wide variety of appropriate media both in two and three-dimensional form.  Children learn to evaluate their own work and that of others.  Throughout the school they develop the ability to value the contribution made by artists, artisans and designers.

During both Key Stages the children will develop their skills in different art techniques and work with a wide selection of media.  Their ideas will be generated by a variety of stimuli and will include both observational and imaginative work.  The children will be encouraged to look at art in different environments and will study the work of artists from past to present. We encourage our children to think freely and be as expressive as they like in their art work.  We try to give the children as much opportunity and experience as possible.

We encourage the children to develop key skills through Design Technology which will be needed throughout their lifetime. These skills include, measuring, cutting, sawing, gluing, sewing, and cooking as well as developing their problem solving skills. Where possible, children begin the design process by looking at examples of a finished article and taking them to pieces. This helps them to understand how different products are made and often gives them a starting point for their own design. Children are also given the opportunity to create prototypes and adapt their designs in order to improve them throughout the making process.  Our creative approach means that children should leave our school being competent in using a range of media, materials and tools which will equip them for life.

Design and Technology is often linked to topic work and incorporates many other areas of the curriculum, including science and art. It involves the children in designing, planning, making and evaluating their work. During Key Stage 2 the children will work with a variety of materials and will be given the opportunity to use a wide selection of tools and equipment.